Van Dijk Honors Jota as Liverpool Captain Reflects on Turbulent 2025
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk closed out 2025 with an emotional reflection on a year that delivered both triumph and tragedy, paying tribute to former team mate Diogo Jota as he assessed a season that reshaped the club.
The Dutch defender stood at the heart of Liverpool’s Premier League title win before enduring the devastating loss of a close friend, admitting that Jota’s passing has altered the fabric of the club forever.
Liverpool returned to the summit of English football in 2024-25, sealing the title with authority and finishing 10 points clear as Arne Slot marked a remarkable first season after succeeding Jurgen Klopp. The celebrations that followed were intense, reflecting both relief and renewal at Anfield.
That momentum carried into a historic summer, with Liverpool rewriting British transfer records through the arrivals of Florian Wirtz for £116 million and Alexander Isak for £125 million, signalling a bold new era under Slot.
Everything shifted on July 3, 2025. Jota was killed in a car accident while travelling back to the United Kingdom for pre season training. The Portuguese forward, 28, died alongside his brother Andre Silva, sending shockwaves through the squad and the wider football world.
Anfield was united in grief as tributes poured in from teammates, supporters, and rivals alike. Van Dijk, as captain, was among those who travelled to Gondomar for Jota’s funeral, a moment that underscored the depth of the loss within the Liverpool dressing room.
Reflecting on the year, Van Dijk highlighted the sharp contrast between success and sorrow. He pointed to winning the Premier League, securing World Cup qualification with the Netherlands, and becoming his country’s most capped captain as moments that defined the highs of 2025.
Yet those achievements were framed by the absence of Jota, whom Van Dijk described as far more than a teammate. His influence, presence, and personality remain deeply felt at the club on a daily basis.
As Liverpool prepare for the challenges of 2026, Van Dijk’s message was clear. The achievements of the past year will be remembered, but so too will the loss that reshaped the squad, reinforcing a sense of unity and purpose as the Reds look ahead.
Virgil Van Dijk's Instagram video ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vfKP8i94Iu
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) December 31, 2025